Dallaglio backing for Johnson appointment

LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO would approve of Martin Johnson’s appointment as England manager as he claims the RBS Six Nations runners-up demand strong leadership.

But the former England skipper insists the most pressing issue facing director of elite rugby Rob Andrew is to unify the current coaching team.

Johnson, 39, is reportedly locked in negotiations with Andrew over taking up the newly-created and all-powerful managerial role.

The return of England’s World Cup winning captain would be greeted with universal approval and Dallaglio insists his presence would stamp out any disharmony in the squad.

“Clearly Martin has the ability to do whatever he wants. His opinions are valued and quite right too,” he said. “Getting him on board would certainly be a positive step forward.

“If he does take the job then I’m sure he’ll be very straight talking about what his aspirations and expectations are.

“Inevitably there are strong characters in the England team and you need strong leadership of those personalities otherwise there is dissent and disillusionment.

“That’s the reality of life – strong people need strong leadership. If Martin were to come on board he’d have no problem in that role.

“He knew what it took as a player to win and understands it’s all about results.”

The speculation over Johnson has cast fresh doubt on the future of England head coach Brian Ashton.

Ashton had previously requested the appointment of a manager, although he later made it clear he would not want one of Johnson’s stature.

An appearance in the World Cup final and second place finish in the RBS Six Nations reflects well on Ashton, yet divisions exist with his assistants John Wells and Mike Ford.

Dallaglio cites the example of Grand Slam champions Wales as evidence of what a unified coaching ream can achieve.

“I still maintain the way to create a winning environment is to have a group of people that are willing to work together,” said the Wasps skipper. “Success is not based upon one person but upon the chemistry of the coaching team.

“Wales have done well not just because of Warren Gatland, it’s about him, Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley.

“All you want is a team pulling in the same direction with the appetite to make England the best in the world.’’

Dallaglio admits that Johnson’s appointment would result in an uncertain future for Ashton, Wells and Ford.

“If Martin feels he can work with the people who are already there in the existing format, then that’s great,” he said.

“But he may well feel that he wants to come in and work with people that he views to be his men.

“Make no mistake – if he does come on board then it will have been something he will have given due consideration to.”

Andrew met Ashton at Twickenham on Tuesday as part of the RFU’s standard tournament review and will present his report to the management board nextWednesday.